MEET THE SPEAKERS !

Policy statements at the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-17) focused on the conference theme: “ICT for Sustainable Development Goals” (ICT④SDGs). The contribution of information and communication technologies as a cross-cutting sector is crucial for accelerating efforts to attain these goals through, for example, e-health, e-education, e-agriculture, e-commerce and e-government.

High-ranking officials from ITU Member States, for the most part ministers or deputy ministers, shared their views on emerging trends and on matters of strategic importance to the development of the telecommunication and information and communication technology sector worldwide. Their statements and videos are posted below.

In Slovenia, we strongly believe that digitalisation is one of the most
important things for the development of the society as a whole. This is why
we launched the initiative: Slovenia, a green reference country in digital Europe. With this
initiative, we are not searching for new discoveries, but rather new ways
of using digital tools at system level - to improve the quality of life of
our citizens and quality of Slovenian businesses.

When Slovenia became subject to electronic and mobile changes we decided to
embrace this and become smart: we use digital tools in order to make
smarter decisions. So that all members of society would be included in
Slovenia's plans, a Digital Coalition was established that consists not
only of representatives of the government, but businesses and development
as well. All members decide together on the future direction the Slovenian
society will take. This is how we can regain the trust of our citizens in
the Slovenian government. Trust in the future is one of the key objectives
we wish to achieve with digital technology. That is why Slovenia has
decided to open up data - the legislation was changed and an Open Data
Portal was established. This portal enables that the data is published in
machine-readable form, as we see data as a public good. And we strongly
believe that data that does not conflict with personal or business
interests should therefore be shared.

We open education and its sources. Just last month the 2nd World
Open Educational Resources Congress was held in Slovenia. It is our vision
that in the future education will be opened up as it should be available to
anyone.

Slovenia also opens up platforms. Any sort of platforms and networks that
are in use should be accessible to everyone. Slovenia does not invest in
the broadband infrastructure, but rather in the capilar networks that
Slovenian citizens can use in their work.

Slovenia's main strategy is the so-called "Productivity Sandwich". This
means that the government enables the environment where the bottom part is
represented by optical network that are accessible to everyone. The top
part of the "sandwich" is the 5G and similar networks that can speed up the
communication (this effort is being approached by a so-called coalition of
the private and public sector). In the middle and most important part of
the sandwich is data. Data is being shared, opened... Based on this, new
services and solutions for Slovenian citizens and businesses are being
developed.

Data is the fuel of the future. Global enterprisers such as Google,
Facebook and similar, can establish huge empires based only on the
information their users provide them. As this data is very private, it
should be used smartly and responsibly for the sustainable development in
the future. Let's open up data and synchronise it, so that it can be shared
in a safe manner. This is the perfect recipe for a brighter future of our
citizens and businesses.

Mr. Chairman, Mr. Secretary-General, Ministers, Excellencies and
distinguished colleagues: On behalf of the United States of America, I
thank the government of Argentina for their generosity and hospitality,
and for welcoming us to this beautiful and historic city.

Mr. Chairman, we wish you the best as you guide this conference in
setting the course for the ITU Telecommunication Development Sector for
the next four years. And Mr. Brahima Sanou, thank you for your
leadership and efforts at the helm of this important Sector of the
Union.

I also would like to add my congratulations on the 25th
Anniversary of the ITU Development Sector. This WTDC has a special
distinction because we are celebrating twenty-five years of
achievements in the city that hosted the first WTDC in 1994.

The global digital ecosystem has truly improved how people live,
communicate, and relate to each other and the world around them. This
change has been

driven by the dramatic increase in broadband access, the widespread
penetration of mobile phones, and the development of a wide range of
innovative information and communication technology services which helped
foster unprecedented increases in economic growth.

This progress reflects the continued success of public-private and
multistakeholder cooperation, market and regulatory reforms, technological
innovation, and commitments on the part of diverse stakeholders, including
the membership of the ITU. Member states have invested in broadening the
deployment of ICT. The United States has shown its commitment to increased
Internet connectivity by, among other efforts, the projects funded by the
Millennium Challenge Corporation.

As we finalize the Buenos Aires Declaration, we have an opportunity to
reflect our goals and objectives for the Development Sector and set a path
for the next four years.

The recent natural disasters that have struck the United States and our
friends and neighbors in Mexico, the Americas and the Caribbean have
touched all of us - developing and developed countries alike. These events
remind us of the critical, and life-saving, role that ICTs can play.

Whether it is satellites that helped track and predict the coming
hurricanes; the early warning systems to alert citizens on their mobile
phones; the images broadcast around the world to unite us all in our
support for those affected; the mobile and satellite communications systems
connecting first responders and families; or the mobile payment systems to
mobilize resources - ICT is critically important to mitigating damage and
responding to natural disasters.

And even more importantly - the responses to these disasters demonstrate
the remarkable power of collaboration, cooperation and partnership across
countries, communities, and diverse stakeholders.

The United States proposals to this Conference, and our support of our
region's Inter-American Proposals, reflect our strong support for the
continued ITU-D role in broadband deployment and emergency communications.
We support the continued development by Member States and Sector Members of
voluntary guidelines and best practices to assist efforts to increase
digital inclusion, develop advanced networks, and create a stable and
predictable regulatory environment. We believe that it is important to
preserve and enhance ITU-D's role as a forward-looking knowledge platform
to exchange experiences and views.

This process has served the Sector well, generating timely and useful
deliverables which reflect the experiences of many countries in this room
today. To help close the digital divide, we will continue to support an
open, transparent, and market-based approach to tackling the challenges of
expanding the benefits of the global digital ecosystem.

WTDC-17 also is an important milestone on the path to the 2018
Plenipotentiary Conference. We must work together, in the spirit of
cooperation and collaboration, to deliver sustainable and measurable
results. With your leadership, Mr. Chairman, and the efforts of
distinguished delegates, I am confident that we can achieve a positive
outcome. To you, Mr. Chairman, and to all our colleagues we extend our very
best wishes for a successful conference.

Excellences, Mr the Secretary General of the International
Telecommunications Union,

Distinguished Ministers,

Directors of ITU Sectors

Honorable Delegates

Ladies and gentlemen,

…

It is a great honor for me to be among you today at the World
Telecommunications Development Conference to discuss the role of ICTs in
social and economic development. It is particularly pleasant to do that in
such a beautiful town I would like to thank sincerely the Authorities of
the Argentinean Republic and its honorable people for their warm welcome
and the excellent organizational measures that, I am sure, will assure the
successful of this conference. and my thanks to the Secretary General of
the ITU, Mr. Haoulin Zhao for his efforts to highlight the efficient role
of the ITU in the process of achievement of the sustainable development
goals.

First, I would like to attract your attention to something that most people
seems to overlook: in fact, the distinguished attendees participating in
this event are not my only audience. Thanks to technology, it is now
possible for anyone in the world, including my fellow Algerian citizens, as
well as any inhabitant of the world, to watch my three-minute speech may be
on live streaming or once it is uploaded to the internet. I think they even
can download it in no more than 10 seconds, providing they have 4G
connectivity. A speed of download simply amazing. Still, they will need
three more minutes to view the entire video, won't they…?

This is all very impressive, but, ladies and gentlemen, how many people do
you think will actually be able to view the video at all? How many people
have no chance to know that this video, or any other, is available? As of
today, there is no less than a billion people in Africa without internet
connectivity of any type, due to the low penetration rate of the network,
usually limited to the main urban areas. What is worse is that internet
usership does not exceed 2% in some African countries. Oddly enough, the
second largest and most populated continent has the lowest internet
coverage in the world: only 10% as of 2017.

The question is, do the remaining 90% of people even care about the
extraordinary speed of the 4G, 5G and whatever comes next when they still
do not have 2G network? In July 2016, the UN issued a resolution which
declared the internet as a basic human right, and has also recognized the
necessity of guaranteeing internet access to every single person on earth
for the purpose of promoting human progress. Yet, many African countries,
but also from other continents, are still lagging far behind the rest of
the world as it is deprived of the numerous benefits of ICT, which would
utterly transform the field of education by providing numerous learning
facilities and knowledge sharing platforms. Science is the intangible
heritage of humanity. Technology is supposed to provide the means to spread
it for the benefit of all humankind. At least that was the promise brought
by the World Wide Web when created.

The point is that efforts, money and time, are deployed in developing new
network generations; they are also deployed to get slimmer smartphones,
with cooler cameras, high definition screens... we are extracting noble
metals and rare earths, hurting nature by the same way, just to get new
devices with funnier gadgets… what about our future? what about SDGs?
What about human rights?

Ladies and gentlemen, a reasonable mind would infer that our priority
is not to increase the speed of the internet connection for the mere
prestige of those who already access it, but rather to connect as many
people as possible all over the planet. I firmly believe that it is our
duty to awaken the hidden potential of the African population, which is
continuously wasted away because of the poor quality of education
provided to its youth. We must direct our efforts towards the creation
of a more equally, more homogeneously interconnected world, as a
collective investment for the future of humanity.

To conclude, Mister President, ladies and gentlemen,

We all are waiting for a smart scientist who will invent a remedy for
cancer… maybe he is now a cheerful child playing in the shadow of
a large African tree, or a high palm tree in Nicaragua. Let us provide
internet there, to give this child a chance to contribute saving us.

It is a great honour to speak before you on behalf of the United Kingdom.

I would firstly likely to offer the United Kingdom's warmest thanks and congratulations to Argentina and to the ITU for organising this important conference.

The ITU's Development Sector has a critically important role to play in supporting developing countries. I would like to offer our congratulations to the Development Sector on its 25th anniversary.

The UK is fully committed to assisting developing countries. We are very proud to be one of the very few countries that meets the UN target to spend 0.7% of our gross national income (GNI) on foreign aid.

And the UK is fully committed to the ITU and the important role it plays. We are very proud in particular of Malcolm Johnson and the work he does to ensure that the ITU delivers for all its Members, working in a spirit of friendship and cooperation with countries from every region of the world.

We are proud to be supporting him for a second term as Deputy Decretary General, in order to secure a strong future for the ITU.

We know that telecommunications and ICTs are an essential building block of economic and social development. The World Summit on the Information Society set out an ambitious, people-centred development agenda to ensure that people from every part of the world can benefit from the potential of telecommunications and ICTs.

An estimated fifty percent of humanity is still not connected to the internet. A core function of the ITU is helping to overcome this major obstacle to global economic development.

The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda is a great opportunity to harness the potential of telecommunications and ICTs to support development and we are very pleased that the theme of this conference is 'ICT for Sustainable Development Goals'.

There is a very full agenda to make this a reality:

building an enabling environment for investment

fostering competitive markets

promoting public/private partnerships which support investment in infrastructure

putting in place transparent and predictable regulatory frameworks and

supporting capacity building and skills development.

I know there are many countries represented here today which have already done excellent work in advancing this agenda. . We need to make sure that no one is left behind.

To deliver sustainable development, we need to bring together the efforts of all stakeholders.

All the Governments here today, including my own, need to reach out and work with the private sector, civil society, the technical community, academics and others if we are to make a real difference.

The ITU delivers best when it opens its doors to other stakeholders and builds a spirit of common endeavour.

This conference is a great opportunity to build that spirit and to make the Sustainable Development Agenda a reality.

To everyone here, we extend our very best wishes for a successful conference and we look forward to working with you in the time ahead.

I want to first thank and express my gratitude for the Government of
Argentina for hosting the World Telecommunications Development Conference
2017, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of ITU-D, in this
beautiful city, Buenos Aires.

I also want to thank the ITU especially ITU-D for organizing this
Conference

Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen, and distinguished guests

It is a privilege and an opportunity for me to make few remarks on the
theme of this conference "ICT for Sustainable Development Goals" but before
I do that allow me to tell you little bit about the Telecoms and ICT
developments in Somalia.

The ICT sector is one of the brightest spots of the Somali economy,
contributing close to 10% to the national GDP. Today most Somalis enjoy
relatively high mobile communications and mobile money penetration levels
and lower rates compared to other peoples from countries in the region.
However, Internet penetration rates are among the lowest in the region due
to limited domestic broadband network infrastructure and international
connectivity.

When the stated-owned national posts and the telecommunications
infrastructure were destroyed, private operators filled the vacuum by
building successful mobile communication companies in totally unregulated
environment. Due to the unregulated nature of the ICT environment in
Somalia, service providers are neither encumbered by regulations protecting
consumer rights, requiring interconnectivity and interoperability nor
operate with formal licenses for spectrum usage or provision of services.

Just last month, the two chambers of our parliament passed a National
Communication Law, which the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia,
His Excellency Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed had signed, into Law on 2nd
October 2017. My Ministry is now in the process of establishing a
regulatory authority. As we build the Regulatory Authority, we would look
to leverage the expertise of the ITU and benchmark other relevant
regulatory authorities.

Excellences, ladies and Gentlemen and distinguished guests,

Many more eloquent speakers have and will articulate far better than I can,
what ICTs for Sustainable Development entail but let me just say that for
Somalia and I would imagine for other less developed countries, our fear
and concern is being left behind in a world where countries with advanced
economies are moving into 4th Industrial Revolution while we are
still struggling with providing basic internet access to our peoples.

Today access to knowledge and information is necessary to participate in
the global economy. Yet far too many people in the developing world
particularly in Least Developed Countries lack access to computers and
basic Internet. This is especially true in my country, which is struggling
to recover from years of conflict.

What countries like Somalia need are investments in their ICT
infrastructures. This can be done either directly by private investors or
in collaborations with governments in public Private Partnership
arrangements. In Somalia we are keen to attract investors to develop our
ICT sector so I call on private companies and members states alike to
consider investing in Somalia. Somalia.

First of all, it is my great pleasure to express deep gratitude for
excellent conditions enabling fruitful conference activity to the
Government of Argentina which had hosted the first Conference of the
Telecommunication Development Sector in 1994, and now is opening a new
quarter-century era of our joint activity aimed at the widespread
introduction and use of telecommunication/information and communication
technologies in all countries, especially in the developing ones!

The ITU's lines of activities have always been devoted to the most
sensitive topics concerning international regulation and development of
telecommunication / ICT standards as well as the relationships between
government and business, civil society, private sector, science
institutions and academia.

Significant emphasis is made to the needs of developing countries. More and
more attention is paid to the development of broadband access, primarily to
the mobile radio systems, especially for people with specific needs; as
well as to building confidence and security in the use of ICTs; to the
increasing role of ICTs in the emergency warning and relief and in climate
change; to the development of smart technologies, and many others.

We believe that this time practically all countries of the world, thanks to
the facilitating role of the ITU, are aware of the goals and objectives for
introduction of modern information and communication technologies and
further development of the information society.

The Russian Federation deems it important further strengthening the ITU's
role, particularly the role of the Telecommunication Development Sector
collaborating directly both with States and Sector Members, as well as with
other organizations in order to implement the outcomes of the Union
activity. Particular attention is given to the matters of development and
use of the ICT infrastructure, strengthening confidence and security in the
use of ICTs.

Greater involvement of the developing countries in the development of
recommendations, standards and legal mechanisms will allow the
international community to understand more clearly the interests and needs
of the majority of the world population.

We believe that high-quality ICT infrastructure, elaboration of common
approaches to its development and use would facilitate sustainable economic
growth in all countries, reducing social inequality and bridging
economical, technological and digital divides.

At the same time the digital divide is still substantial both between and
within the countries. Bridging the digital divide is required for the
sustainable growth of the infrastructure, improving the education and
healthcare, capacity building, preserving and developing the cultural
heritage in all its country-wide, religious and linguistic variety, and for
use of ICTs to eradicate poverty, combat the negative impact of the climate
change and support emergency relief actions. Fifty seven per cent of the
world population has no access to the Internet and cannot take advantage
from huge economic and social benefits which the Internet can provide. The
ITU Initiative on ensuring inclusive and affordable access to the Internet
in the least developed countries by 2020 is aimed to address this
disparity.

The Russian Administration highly appreciates increasing role of the ITU in
the development of information and communication technologies based on
modern achievements in science and technology, in the implementation of the
outcomes of the WSIS and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As
well as other countries, Russia has been active in achieving the
Sustainable Development Goals, in the digital transformation and transition
to the Digital Economy.

Actually, fundamentally new Programme - "Digital Economy of the Russian
Federation" - has been developed in the Russian Federation within six-month
period. Its aim is to introduce digital technologies practically in all
spheres of human activity within our society.

The Programme provides measures to establish legal, technical,
organisational and financial conditions for the development of the national
Digital Economy. This would allow, through ICTs, increasing the efficiency
in all sectors of the national economy and establishing at least ten
national companies-champions - high-tech enterprises developing
"end-to-end" technologies and managing digital platforms operating on the
global market and forming a system of startups around them, research teams
and industry enterprises.

Russia quite successfully implements its own plan for increasing
availability of telecommunication services, especially of broadband access.
Despite huge territory of the Russian Federation and variety of its
geographic and climate conditions, mobile access to broadband services in
Russia is one of the most affordable in the world. Russia actively
implements strategic industrial projects. More than 215 thousand of
kilometers of fiber-optical communication links are laid in Russia to
connect all settlements having more than 250 residents, offering attractive
price policy. We plan to increase by 2018 availability of broadband
services up to 97% of country's population and achieve 70% of citizens
using online mechanism for obtaining government and municipal services.

The Russian Federation will continue to support active position of the
International Telecommunication Union being not only specialized UN agency
in telecommunications, but also the leading international organization in
this field where the basic role in the achieving objectives for
introduction of modern technologies and systems is on the Telecommunication
Development Sector.

As ever, Russian Federation will actively support the ITU and
Telecommunication Development Sector in carrying out its core mission -
bringing the benefits of telecommunication/ICT to all the world's
inhabitants.

On behalf of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, It is great honor for me to make this statement at the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-17) with the theme "ICT for Sustainable Development Goals" (ICT ④ SDGs).

First of all, I highly appreciate all the effort and hardwork of ITU in organizing this WTDC-17. This is a really good opportunity for us to learn and exchange experiences on the implementation of ICT strategies, solutions to use ICT to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Nowadays, the explosive development of ICT has made such rapid and deep changes to the society and the economy. One can easily find strong impacts of ICT on all aspects of our life, working, social relationships …. And that happens at all scales, global, national, organizational and individual. In this context, we have to put ICT in the center of SDG strategy. Indeed, Vietnam has been making every effort to make best use of ICT to create new driving forces for sustainable and inclusive growth. We are focusing on the following priorities:

Firstly, we promote ICT applications in public areas, such as public governance, public health. From 2014-2016, according to UN e-government Index, Viet Nam improved its e-government performance and made the leap from middle-EGDI (e-government development index) to high-EGDI values. In public health, we succeeded in establishing database of health insurance covering approximately 99% of population. This opens up the path to wide use of electronic insurance card.

Secondly, we invest a lot in HRD. The shortage of digital skill is the biggest challenges of developing countries in this digital transformation. So, international cooperation in HRD led by ITU-D plays very important role.

Thirdly, as an agriculture country and among the 10 countries most impacted by climate change, we promote e-agriculture. In 2015, The Prime Minister approved the high-tech agriculture plan 2015-2030. And recently, the Prime Minister one again emphasizes that priority must be given to e-agriculture.

Fourthly, we started smart city initiatives. This creates new ICT markets and new opportunities for international cooperation.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

In this all connected and integrated world, Vietnam believes that cooperation and mutual assistance between nations is key for success. From our side, we are always ready and eager to cooperate with other countries to jointly address common ICT issues. In addition, Viet Nam does wish to make further contribuion to ict community through our presence at RRB.

In conclusion, I would like to express our sincere thanks to ITU, the ITU Secretary General and the ITU's staffs who have been making continued efforts to connect members, to enhance mutual understanding and to provide valuable assistance to members. I would also like to thank for all the great hospitality extended by the host nation of the Argentina Republic who helped to make this conference possible and meaningful.

Finally, I would like to wish you all good health, success and happiness.

Mr. Chairman, Mr. Zhao, Secretary General, Mr. Sanou, Director of the
Telecommunications Development Bureau, elected officials of ITU, the
government of the Republic of Argentina, Ministers, Excellencies and
respected delegates, on behalf of Japan, I would like to express my
gratitude to all efforts for this conference. I would also like to
congratulate you on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of ITU-D.

It is my great honor to have an opportunity to speak at this 7th World
Telecommunication Development Conference in Buenos Aires.

With respect of the Dubai Declaration and Action Plan adopted in 2014,
Japan has been conducting the activities in such areas as rural
telecommunications, eHealth, cyber security and disaster management.

As for cyber security, for example, aiming at improving the ability of
network administrators of organizations to respond to cyber-attacks, Japan
has been carrying out practical cyber defense exercises. By making use of
the experience Japan has been contributing to the development of the human
resources on cyber security in the Asia-Pacific region.

As for disaster management, in the cases of the 2011 Great East Japan
Earthquake and the following huge earthquakes, ICT has played the leading
role for disaster management, such as grasping the level of damage,
confirming the safety of the victims, and sharing daily information on
evacuating people. Japan has been accumulating good practices and it would
like to share those with as many countries as possible.

In relation to those activities, in 2015, Japan hosted the Third UN World
Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai with 185 UN member states
and more than 6,500 participants. New international guiding principles for
disaster risk reduction, such as the importance of investment in disaster
risk reduction, commitment by various stakeholders, and the concept of
"Build Back Better" are adopted as the "Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction 2015-2030" by consensus. At the conference, Japan and ITU held
international forums for disaster risk reduction through ICT technologies
and application.

Also in 2015, Japan hosted the World Telecommunication/ICT Indicators
Symposium in Hiroshima with more than 400 delegates participated from about
110 countries.

Information and communication technology is a driving force for
socioeconomic activities in various fields. It is an engine for economic
growth and the prosperity of mankind. I believe that the global
dissemination of ICT infrastructures and services will enable people and
things to be connected globally and seamlessly anytime and anywhere and
that prosperity will be enhanced globally.

We are facing numerous global issues such as global warming, large-scale
natural disasters, infectious diseases, and food and energy problems. I
believe that ICT which connects the wisdom of mankind will contribute to
finding solutions for such global issues.

We all understand that ICT4SDGs is a very good and timely theme for the
WTDC-17. I believe we should promote to bridge the digital divide by
improving the quality and affordability of ICT infrastructure, and also
should promote to enhance accessibility and digital literacy for everyone
by providing all people with affordable and high-quality access to
communication networks and opportunities of developing ICT skills.

In conclusion, I strongly hope that the activities of ITU-D in the future
will be one of the cores for the achievement of Sustainable Development
Goals. Japan would like to continue to contribute to the activities of
ITU-D by taking advantage of its experience.

Firstly, let me begin by appreciating the fact that I am invited here. It
is a great honour for me to be among you at the opening of the World
Telecommunication Development Conference in Buenos Aires. Thank you.

Secondly, I want to join the previous speakers in extending my gratitude to
the Government of Argentina, our Argentinian colleagues, for being such
generous hosts and for providing such a great working place.

All of us work in the telecommunications sector. It is a very important
branch of the world's economy for both developing and developed countries.
The ICTs today account for 6% of the world's global GDP, and the number is
rising.

I believe that ITU can and should play a significant role in our world,
especially I would like to stress the importance of the ITU
Telecommunication Development Sector. I believe, that bridging the digital
gap and bringing digital advantages to all citizens is a necessity. It is a
task for each modern country.

This can be achieved through the ICT and innovation. ICT
is an engine for growth, efficiency and productivity increase and
innovation is the key determinant of economic growth and social welfare.

The ICT sector is one of the fastest growing parts of the global economy.
Over 50% of people in the world use the Internet, including the private,
business and public sector. It is undoubtedly a success, as more and more
people can actively participate in the global economy. But it is also a
challenge. Despite the significant growth in the last decade, there are
still significant differences between countries and regions in access to
networks and advanced technologies.

Because of the importance of ICT, we recognize the significance of global
institutions such as the International Telecommunication Union - ITU. As
the world's oldest international organization in the United Nations system,
it brings indispensable input into standardization and regulation of the
telecommunications market and the radio, as well as into the promotion of
ICT. It is the only truly global organization that deals with electronic
communications and its development through standardization and frequencies
management. 193 countries, over 700 sector members take part in the
activities of ITU.

The Polish government is actively involved in ITU. We have been a member of
the ITU Council - the most important decision making body of the
organization - since 2010. It was thanks to your votes that we got elected
and we are confident that it was not a missed opportunity. I'd like to take
this occasion to strongly request your support in the upcoming elections to
the ITU Council. It will be my honor to continue this fruitful cooperation.

Furthermore our Ministry of Digital Affairs, since its transformation in
autumn of 2015, has been undertaking a series of initiatives aimed at
creating a modern and efficient public administration, oriented at the
needs of citizens and businesses. On a strategic level these form a part of
Responsible Development Strategy, a horizontal development strategy for our
country. We strongly focus on the development of innovative sectors of the
economy and support for start ups. One of the aims is to double the share
of R&D spending in relation to GDP in the next couple of years. The
horizontal approach is complemented by a national "Efficient State 2020"
strategy, which was adopted to implement our vision that in order to
stimulate development opportunities it is essential to take into
consideration the importance of an efficient and citizen-friendly state. In
a situation of radical economic, cultural and technological chances, we
need a new framework for operation and clear philosophy of state. It is no
longer enough to work for citizens - it is necessary to find a way to work
together with them.

Through digital support for society and enabling investments for high end
technology businesses but also startups, we want Poland to do a
civilizational leap that puts our country at the forefront of highly
developed countries in terms of access to state-of-the-art information and
communication technologies. The power of ICT can improve the relations
between the state, citizens and entrepreneurs to make them as simple and
straightforward as possible. We want our actions to let people live better
and more simply through digitisation of public services. Our new strategies
were based on the premise that digitisation is about transforming the State
rather than just buying systems and equipment.

A vivid example of such an approach is related to Polish initiative in ITU
regarding the ITU Expert Group on Mobile Identification. There are two
sides of this solution, firstly it will apply to citizens' contacts with
the public administration (mDokumenty), while the other is meant
to facilitate identification in citizen-to-citizen relations and
citizens-to-business relations. This is one of the most promising projects
we are implementing at the Ministry and the knowledge gained was done
through ITU platform. There were also many twinning projects and workshops
organized in Poland, such as the 2016 workshop on Broadband Services and
Infrastructure Mapping.

Apart from that we have accomplished a number of tasks that are important
and useful for the citizens. We have built on the experience and popularity
of some business solutions in order to bring our services closer to where
people can use them. For example we have implemented a cooperation with
banks which enables distribution of social welfare benefits directly
through the online banking services or ability to set up a so called
Trusted Profile, a tool allowing the confirmation of your identify on the
Internet. As 40% of our citizens use online banking services, they can now
use the same, friendly interface to deal with some administrative
procedures. So far the possession of Trusted Profile enables citizens for
instance to apply for ID card, governmental child-raising benefits (family
500+) or to inform about ID card loss. We have also created the possibility
for vehicle drivers to check the number of traffic penalties they receive
online - in total, Polish citizens may now make use of over 580 online
services provided by the administration.

Another developmental aspect is the 5G technology and its introduction in
Poland. We have implemented the world's fourth LTE network, it was also the
world's first LTE1800 network. Out companies and operators have a lot of
experience in such innovative, mobile solutions.

The 5G standards and devices are still being developed, but preparations
are already under way for the implementation of 5G network. This will be
done within the "5G Strategy for Poland", where we teamed up with business,
academia and research institutions. The strategy will pave the road to meet
our 2025 strategic objectives in terms of wireless connectivity: the
uninterrupted access to 5G in all urban areas and on all major land
transportation routes. This complements broader connectivity goals, which
state that by 2015; schools and transport hubs shall be served by
connections with download/upload speeds of 1 Gb of data per second;
households in rural or urban areas shall have available download speeds of
at least 100 Mbps, upgradable to 1Gb. The 5G strategy will be ready by the
end of this year, together with the updated National Broadband Plan. We
plan to make 5G technology a springboard that will allow our economy to
jump to the higher level. This will place Poland at the forefront of
internet connectivity.

Key objectives for Poland's digital strategy include openness to
cooperation with various partners, not only in Europe but around the Globe,
active participation in shaping industry standards and policies and the
digital integration of manufacturing sectors and groups. It is important to
counter protectionism or abuse of market dominance that causes
fragmentation of the digital economy.

Poland is a highly industrial country that has so far used low labour costs
and a convenient location in the centre of Europe to its benefit. The
challenge facing Polish industry is how to adapt to and make the most of
the opportunities of the next industrial revolution so that we can pay off
an 'innovation debt' in the long run. This is where we make use of ICT,
this is also where ITU may facilitate important knowledge sharing processes
to the benefit of all - the developed and the developing Members.

To sum up this positive message, I once again thank you for this invitation
and hope this conference will lead to many interesting discussions. I wish
you all best and hope to meet with you later on during the week.

Mr. Chairman, Secretary-General of ITU, Deputy Secretary-General, Directors
of Development Bureau, Radiocommunication Bureau and Standardization
Bureau, Vice-Chairman, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen: On behalf of the
Bhutanese delegation, I would like to thank the Argentinian Government for
kindly hosting this very important WTDC 2017 in this great historic city of
Buenos Aires. I would also like to congratulate and offer our best wishes
to BDT for the 25th anniversary celebration, which will be held the day
after tomorrow.

Excellencies, as the distinguished speakers before me, our Government also
believes the very important role of ICT in achieving the SDGs and also in
terms of enhancing our development. At the legal framework, although we are
very new to the ICT agenda, the Bhutan Information Communication and Media
Act 2006 is to be repealed very shortly to be replaced by the Bhutan
Information Communication and Media Act 2016. In terms of policy framework,
the Bhutan Telecommunications and Broadband Policy 2014 is the current
framework, and it is also in this framework that we have received ITU's
support. The e-Government policy is trying to integrate holistically the
different aspects of our ICT strategies and objectives to bring under one
policy framework.

In terms of infrastructure, the Government has rolled out 3300 kilometers
of national fiber optics network built with the generous assistance of our
development partners both bilateral and multilateral. These fibers are
being given free to our Telecom operators, in order to keep the prices low,
in order to ensure that connectivity is affordable and accessible.

Despite this, the people still find the Internet prices high, and the usage
on the turnover basis is still very low. The challenge that we are faced in
Bhutan, as a very small mountainous rugged country, is the last mile
connectivity and the cost (the marginal cost) of delivering Internet
connectivity beyond the urban centers.

Notwithstanding this, I believe that, the SDGs can be facilitated with the
use of ICTs. But it is access to affordable ICT that is going to be the
game changer. As has been in the last 30-40 years of global development,
education is the key in bringing people out of poverty in the developing
economies. I think it is access to affordable connectivity in today's
modern digital economy that is going to be a prerequisite for most of our
Governments to deliver that inclusive development to our citizens.

We have two International Gateways and we hope that we will be able to
build on this in trying to improve and bring access to a third
International Gateway, in order for Bhutan to position itself and take
advantages of the green environment, especially for green data centers. For
a small country, we have 79 percent mobile Internet coverage (of the
overall Internet coverage 82.6%), with 93.3 percent mobile subscribers.
However, as stated earlier, the actual usage is very low and this is
primarily due to the affordability issue. As a landlocked country, we are
constrained in bringing reasonably priced Internet bandwidth and like most
LDCs, and in particular Bhutan being a LLDC, we are heavily constrained in
the international bandwidth that we receive from outside. This is an area
that we hope we will be able to receive support and cooperation, and also
be guided by the ITU. With ITU's assistance we have been able to set up, in
2016, Bhutan Computer Incident Response Team to begin to address
Cybersecurity threats. With ITU's support, we are also getting the digital
broadcasting roadmap through. About a month ago, the cabinet approved the
roadmap to ensure that we are ready for digital broadcasting, and we look
forward to this support of all our development partners.

The theme for the conference this year - ICT4 Sustainable Development Goals
- encourages us all to consider what contribution the ITU Development
Sector may make to the achievement of this important agenda.

Australia last week released its first ever International Cyber Engagement
Strategy that sets an ambitious agenda across the full spectrum of cyber
affairs. Which firmly illustrates the centrality of these issues to my
Government.

Basing our approach on a commitment to champion an open, free and secure
cyberspace, the Strategy establishes a comprehensive and coordinated
approach to inform governments, private sector and civil societies wherever
they may be what Australia's perspective is.

It will provide the basis for creative partnering arrangements and for
coordinating our efforts as a nation around seven key themes:

The theme 'technology for development' sets out our continued commitment to
working bilaterally, regionally and multilaterally to encourage access to
and innovative uses of digital technologies to support sustainable and
inclusive development.

Australia strongly supports the ITU Development Sector's role in
stimulating social and economic development by facilitating access to ICTs.

We are proud of our long standing collaboration with the ITU. Australia's
annual voluntary contributions support a range of capacity building
projects across multiple countries. These have included:

Having been a member of the council since 1959, we look forward to
continuing our long-term commitment to work with the ITU to deliver on its
core mandate and leverage its key competencies to support the achievement
of the Sustainable Development Goals.

We also look forward to working together in the spirit of cooperation and
collaboration to successfully complete the work of the conference.

Under your leadership, Mr Chairman, and the efforts of distinguished
delegations, we are sure we will achieve a positive outcome at this
conference, and for the next 25 years.

First of all, let me, on behalf of the Government of Nepal, my Delegation
and on my own, thank the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and
the Government of Argentina, for the invitation to this Conference. I also
take this opportunity to thank you for the warm hospitality and excellent
logistics arrangement for this conference.

BDT activities of the last three years have been very important and
critical in achieving the Objectives and outputs, Implementing the Regional
Initiatives and Resolutions and Recommendations of the Dubai Action Plan.
The output of the Study Groups is commendable. BDT's work on Capacity
Building, Climate change and e-waste, Cybersecurity, Digital inclusion,
Emergency telecommunications, ICT applications and Innovation, Spectrum
management and digital broadcasting

Statistics and indicators as well as Technology and network development has
been very useful for the membership in shaping their policy, legal and
regulatory frameworks. Targeted interventions for ICT development in the
Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small
Island Developing States have produced a noticeable impact in the
respective countries.

Utilizing the huge repository of knowledge that ITU in general and BDT in
particular has helped us develop conductive Regulatory and market
environments in our country.

Nepal will always remember ITU's prompt assistance with emergency
communication system during the massive earthquake of April/May 2015. I
also take this opportunity thank ITU for assisting us in developing cyber
security capacity through the formulation of National awareness framework
on cyber security and child online protection, national cyber security
policy, cyber crime legislation and conducting capacity building workshops.

All of us have accepted ICTs/broadband as a means and a catalyst for
overall development and particularly in achieving the Sustainable
Development Goals set by the United Nations. This is the reason ICT,
Particularly; Broadband has taken a center stage in the development agenda
of every nation.

ITU produces a huge repository of very valuable knowledge for the entire
ICT ecosystem including but not limited to technology, policy, legal,
regulatory and market environment. Most of the ITU members who represent
LDCs or developing countries due to their own limitations may not be able
to fully utilize this knowledge. I sincerely request ITU leadership and the
personnel to be proactive in inspiring, motivating and persuading such
members to fully utilize such knowledge.

While discussing on the number of Study Groups and the potential questions,
my view is that there should be two study groups. One dealing with the
Policy, legal and regulatory environment in the context of the emerging
technologies, services and applications while other study Group should
focus on ICT/Broadband for Sustainable Development Goals. When a question
comes to a conclusion in the next WTDC, the recommendations and best
practices should be a project or a regional initiative and new issues
should find place as new questions.

We have shown our commitments for the development of entire ICT ecosystem
during Plenipotentiary conference of the ITU held in Bushan in
October/November 2014 wherein we adopted the Union's Strategic Plan
2016-2019 and agreed to meet the Global telecommunication/ICT targets
through 'Connect 2020" vision. We had also committed to fulfill the targets
set by WSIS (2003 and 2005) and adopted WSIS+10 Vision for WSIS Beyond
2015. We also made our commitments to achieve the Dubai Action Plan adopted
by the World Telecommunications Development Conference held in March/April
2014. The ministerial conference of the Asia Pacific held in Brunei adopted
APT Strategic Plan and the Ministerial declaration. Similarly we adopted
the Busan Declaration at the 2014 ICT Ministerial Meeting in October. In
all these adoptions and declarations, our whole focus has been on how to
leverage ICTs particularly Broadband for achieving our development goals,
and how to make our development inclusive and sustainable.

We have said enough, we have committed enough-in all forums-national,
regional and global. Now is the time to act. It is my understanding that
large scale initiatives will be effective and sustainable which is lead by
Governments. Other stakeholders can add value to them during their
implementations.

Digital divide that manifests in multiple dimensions; spanning across
issues such as accessibility, availability, affordability, age, gender,
culture etc. needs to be addressed through specific policy and regulatory
interventions. Through the mobilizations of the Universal Service Funds, we
would be able to bridge the availability gaps but we need similar
approaches to address divides that manifests in other dimensions. We have
initiated programs for developing broadband networks spanning across the
entire country. Such network will consist of both optical fiber and
wireless infrastructures both for backbone and access. Contracts have
already been signed with the major telecom operators to develop optical
fiber and microwave network backbone and with ISPs for broadband access
networks using appropriate technology. Free broadband access will be
provided to schools and health institutions, local government bodies. We
are expanding the scope of the universal service fund in line with the best
practices identified by ITU studies. Such expansion has been conceived to
address the need for a decisive policy and regulatory intervention for
bridging the digital divide.

ICT is cross-sectoral in nature. ICT adoption by different government
ministries and departments, in isolation, could lead to inter-operability
problems and also problem of non-optimal use of available
resources-particularly in office automation and business process
re-engineering. Our efforts have been focused towards- firstly,
strengthening the policy, legal and regulatory and institutional
frameworks. We have initiated policy reforms in the ICT sectors. National
Broadband Policy was adopted in 2015. Similarly new National ICT Policy was
adopted in the same year 2015.

Secondly implementation of the plans set by these policy provisions through
a coordinated approach. We are currently implementing many projects
identified by the Broadband Policy and ICT Policy as well as e-Government
Master Plan.

Our experience tells us that regional and international commitments we have
made when connected to the development agenda has been able to garner
political support in the respective countries and also international
support-for example Millennium Development Goals. But ICT agenda when not
connected directly into the development agenda has been largely left to the
individual ministry or departments to implement. The achievements made in
the targets set by the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) are a
bitter example. I urge all the governments to connect all our ICT agenda
into the political and development agenda -so that the nation as a whole
takes up this issue and the set targets are met in a timely manner.

Concluding, I urge everyone here to focus our attention to bridge the
digital divide manifested in multiple dimension through specific policy and
regulatory interventions, connect ICTs into the mainstream political and
development agenda of the nation, implement the national, regional and
international commitments and declarations in a coordinated and integrated
manner that optimizes our resources.

I have the full confidence that this conference will be able to draw upon
lessons from the past and chart a future course of action to ensure that
the Telecommunications/ICTs/Broadband be not only a flourishing
industry-fully supported by the entire ecosystem but also an agent and
means for meeting peoples' aspiration for sustainable development in all
member states. Before I close, let me wish you all a successful conference.

Hola and Talofa lava from Beautiful Samoa. I bring you warm greetings from
the Government and the people of the Independent State of Samoa.

It is indeed an honour for me to attend my first WTDC meeting since
becoming a Minister in March 2016, in this lovely city of Buenos Aires. I
therefore wish to acknowledge with sincere gratitude the welcoming and the
kind hospitality by the government officials and the people of Argentina.
Muchas gracias.

Since becoming a Minister in this fast changing sector and transforming
economies through broadband innovations and applications, I find these
conferences very interesting and also encouraging, especially we small
island developing states.

As you are all aware, Samoa graduated from the LDC group in 2014, the same
year when Samoa hosted the Third International Conference on Small Island
Developing States, where the SAMOA Pathway outcome document was endorsed.

Broadband and Internet has manifested itself in all parts of the society
with a wide range of applications running over fixed broadband and more
importantly wireless broadband. It has become a critical infrastructure not
only for ICT services but also for education, health, agriculture,
transport, tourism, environment, finance and commerce, governance amongst
others. So much so that Smart Cities and Smart Societies are being created
to leverage the potential of broadband and ICTs.

We in the developing world should also take advantage of what broadband can
do for us, as we have very scarce resources, and, an inherently nature of
isolated and landlocked, and remotely spread of islands across vast oceans.

Our Government operates its National Broadband Highway, which connect all
the government agencies around the two main islands with hospitals and
schools as top priority.

Two GSM mobile operators provide 3G and 4G services with coverage of about
96% of the country's four islands.

On international connectivity, Samoa is moving ahead with a new cable
system, known as "Tui Samoa Submarine Cable". With grant funding from the
World Bank and Asian Development Bank, plus technical assistance from the
Government of Australia, work is progressing well, and cable laying
operation from Samoa to Fiji, including branching units for Wallis and
Futuna, and Vanua Levu in Fiji, should be completed by early December 2017.

Six local companies and SOEs provide equity investment to make up the total
project cost. This is a great PPP model for improving our internet
connectivity with the outside world.

This new cable facility will provide Samoa with unlimited capacity for the
next twenty years at much affordable prices compared to current rates, and
the Government and people of Samoa are looking forward to this major
milestone. Our new cable project will also benefit some neighbouring
countries who have signed up for getting branching units to get them
connected.

Currently, our international needs are served through a submarine cable via
American Samoa and Hawaii but with limited capacity, plus satellite
capacity, both of which are still expensive.

With the benefits of broadband internet, it is an important responsibility
on us policy makers, and indeed on all stakeholders in the information
society, to promote technology as an effective combat tool. The
contribution of ICTs as a cross cutting sector is crucial for accelerating
efforts to attain the Sustainable Development Goals.

Honourable Ministers, Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates, I believe
that this development conference can be used to share our experiences and
successes, as well as weaknesses on areas that need to be addressed with
appropriate actions to be taken.

We must explore some of the key policy and regulatory issues in broadband
and ICT today and to foster the collaboration and cooperation that will
help us to move ahead together.

Governments should also encourage partnerships and investments in local
markets, and at the same time offer incentives to attract investors to
contribute in the development of broadband and ICTs which directly links to
the digital economy.

Finally, I thank the Secretary General for facilitating this WTDC and the
ITU D for all the technical assistance given to SIDS, LDCs and LLCs
especially in building capacity and knowledge of our telecom and ICT staff
to ensure we keep up with the technology change and innovations.

On behalf of the Republic of Ghana, let me convey our gratitude to the
government of Argentina for the kind hospitality and warm welcome accorded
to me and my delegation since our arrival in the beautiful and historic
city of Buenos Aires. We also thank our hosts for yesterday's reception,

Mr. Chairman, we are delighted that you have the pleasant responsibility of
leading this conference to adopt strategies for the continuing global
development of ICT, providing future direction and indeed, guidance to the
critical ITU Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D). We couldn't have
chosen more capable hands and we are confident that the successful
completion of this meeting will attest to the wisdom of this choice.

We also thank Mr. Brahima Sanou, Director/BDT for the immense efforts put
into preparing for this historic conference which also marks the 25 th anniversary of the BDT. We congratulate the Secretary
General, Mr. Houlin Zhao and his able Deputy Secretary General Mr Malcolm
Johnson for providing the ITU with such excellent leadership.

The theme for the conference, "ICT for Sustainable Development Goals"
demonstrates the cross-cutting nature of our sector which is indispensable
for accelerating efforts to attain holistic development in all sectors of
human endeavor from health, education, social inclusion, poverty reduction,
job creation, women's empowerment. The list is endless.

The President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is the
current Co-Chair of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
Advocacy Group and he sends his felicitations to the leadership of the ITU
for the adoption of this theme for the conference. He is anxiously awaiting
the outcome of the conference and counting on greater cooperation and
collaboration with the ITU to facilitate the early realization of the SDGs.

Twelve years ago, as the Managing Director of the Second National
Telecommunications Operator in Ghana, I was the only woman in a roomful of
Telco CEOs. Today, when the CEOs of Telecom Operators meet, there is only
one man and the rest are all women CEOs.

I am elated to notice that the gender divide in telecommunications is
closing slowly and at the Ministerial level In West Africa, there are four
or five women Ministers of Communications now and hopefully, our numbers
can only increase. I salute my gallant sisters and you brave men who dare
to be different.

As we mark the 60th anniversary of the independence of Ghana
this year, the new Government that was sworn in to office in January this
year, has committed itself to a massive transformation of Ghana's economy
through technology and broadband development.

It is 'Digi-Time' in Ghana. This slogan aptly demonstrates our
prioritization of ICT and its use as an enabler of socio-economic
development, in recognition of the crucial contribution ICTs bring to the
realization of the SDGs. The government of Ghana, through the Ministry of
Communications, is currently developing a robust framework to support our
digitization of the economy.

With widespread broadband infrastructure in the country and international
bandwidth provided by five submarine optic fibre cables, Ghana with a
population of about 28 million people has over 20 Internet Service
Providers and an average download speed of 4.78 Mbps. We intend to scale up
our universal access program to ensure that we narrow or even close the
digital divide within the country and also drive down the cost of accessing
data. We are establishing a network of connected Community Information
Centres and modernized Post Offices to serve as e-services centres to bring
government closer to the people

We are currently implementing a robust e-Government programme to promote
transparency and accountability in the conduct of government and this
covers all sectors of the administration; in health, education, business
and finance, immigration, environmental monitoring. To demonstrate our
resolve, within 9 months of taking office, the Government has launched a
state of the art biometric National Identity Card enhanced with new
technologies including tactile elements for the blind, E- passport and
payment applications. We have also launched the National Digital Property
Addressing System, developed locally, which maps out every 5 square metres
of our territory and tags it digitally, providing every Ghanaian with a
unique permanent digital address linked to postcodes. The introduction of a
paperless port, integrated e-immigration system, e-procurement,
e-parliament, e-justice, e-cabinet, a safe city solution and smart
workplaces among other initiatives, which are all at various stages of
implementation, the development of an interoperability system to integrate
government databases, and a system to link all electronic payment platforms
and scale up mobile money usage all represent significant milestones in
Ghana's journey to digitisation. It's truly Digitime in Ghana and this is
only the beginning!

In an effort to support the vibrant local start up ecosystem, we have set
up an ICT Incubator Hub, the Accra Digital Centre, which is also home to a
state of the art, Grade A 'plug and play' commercial office space for ICT
businesses and business process outsourcing. We are also developing ICT
Parks to promote entrepreneurship, attract private investment and enhance
ICT research and development. Our aim is to encourage the transfer of
knowledge and development of human resource capacity to meet the increasing
digital demands of the country and boost youth employment.

As we become increasingly dependent on the use of ICT, we are scaling up
our cyber security efforts, working with stakeholders across the country
and internationally to build resilience and ensure we are operating in safe
cyber spaces and enacting policies such as Child Online Protection to
safeguard our children. However, much as we try to protect ourselves, our
efforts will be fruitless without a robust international legal regime to
address the continuing threats of cybercrime and cyber enabled crimes. We
need something akin to a Geneva Convention against cybercrime to protect us
all from cyber criminals and adventurers who threaten our collective cyber
peace and security.

We cannot develop in isolation and will support all efforts at connecting
and linking up our sub region and the continent at large. We are proud of
the work done by the ITU over the years, humbled by our membership of
Council and seek your support to continue serving on the Council to work
together to build a better, interconnected world. As the Secretary General
said yesterday, we are "stronger together."

Mr. Chairman,

We come in solidarity with the membership of the ITU and are committed to
addressing the needs of our people. In this regard, we will support actions
to improve access to broadband, address cybersecurity issues and the needs
of developing countries to conformance and interoperability.

We trust the proposals to be presented will also consider the mobilisation
of resources for the Development Sector and indeed, the ITU.

It's a great pleasure for me to be here and share with you our vision on
the role of ICT in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Numerous discussions of this topic prove that we are confident about ICT's
essential role in achievement of SDGs. ICT is indeed considered as a
fundamental base for development of our global society.

In many countries ICTs serve as a main accelerator of the economic growth,
social inclusion and environmental sustainability which are the pillars of
sustainable development.

ICT was directly appointed as essential tool for four SDGs: increasing
quality of education (4b), gender equality (5b), industry, innovation and
Infrastructure (9c) and Partnerships for the Goals (17.8), as a means of
implementation of these Goals.

ICT can definitely improve people's lives in many other spheres, especially
through education, skills development, innovation and automation. Investing
in ICT in recent period is highly important in order to support the
progress of SDGs which also means investing in the implementation of SDGs.

Azerbaijan determined its own approach in realization of SDGs and State
Commission under chairmanship of Deputy of Prime-minister has been created
for this purpose. Our government has adopted the State program on
implementation of SDGs which targeted the development of ICT sector and
innovative development of the country and all strategic documents. We also
think SDGs is a remarkable tool in improving our future activities. By
investing in its development, we will achieve the great impact towards
helping governments to build more sustainable world.

I want especially indicate the role of ITU as a specialized UN agency on
ICT which clearly define the role of ICT on SDGs. Such position assists us
on national level and supports cooperation on international level.

I believe that we can meet SDGs only by establishing the solid
collaboration between governments, between industries, and among other
stakeholders within our countries.

On behalf of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society of Thailand, I am
greatly honored to participate in the World Telecommunication Development
Conference 2017 which its theme has remarkably underlined current global
addresses and empowers all relevant stakeholders to learn and work toward
achieving social and economic development in a sustainable, inclusive, and
equitable manner by maximizing the use of ICT and digital innovations.

Through the rollout of Thailand Digital Economy and Society Development
Plan as a framework to utilize digital technology, a key mechanism
propelling Thailand's digital transformation; The Thai Government has made
a substantial progress in implementing a critical project of ICT
infrastructure development called "Pracharat Internet, or Net Pracharat" that plans to roll
out broadband infrastructure, including free Wi-Fi, to all 74,965 villages
nationwide and will have expanded internet access, by the end of this year,
to 24,700 villages across the country. This enables all Thai communities to
get an access to ICT and reduces disparity by helping local villagers
generate additional income out of the digital infrastructure. Local
villagers have been provided digital literacy skills and encouraged to sell
their products and services online through e-commerce, e-payment, and
e-logistics platforms. By 2017, ten thousand shops will have been digitally
equipped and fifty thousand items of products and services from local
community on the e-commerce platform will be exhibited. This will help
generate 9,000 USD or 300,000 Baht per village per year.

Based on affordable and reliable infrastructure, we have carried out "Community Digital Centers" Project that
capitalizes on the Net Pracharat. Currently, 2,280 community digital
centers have been established nationwide providing knowledge resources and
governmental services. These centers offer facilities for massive open
online courses (MOOCs) via https://www
.thaimooc.org and spaces for co-working, learning, and various activities.

In spite of the comprehensive efforts in digital connectivity improvement,
The Government has played an active role in increasing Thai citizen's
quality of life. One of the top priority projects is "Digital Tech for Health" that aims to enhance public
health services through digital technology and innovation including
developing a telemedicine system, providing guidance on telemedicine
services and facilitating access to healthcare for citizens in remote areas
as well as those experiencing difficulties. The program has been piloted in
116 hospitals and plans to extend to 2,000 hospitals within five years.

In addition, in order to boost ICT and innovation - driven economy of the
country, the Government has also embarked on a number of initiatives
encouraging youth, citizen, startups and SMEs to take full advantage of
digital technology and innovations thereby strengthening their digital
capabilities and skills which allows them to broaden their horizons and
upgrade their digital competitiveness.

Smart City initiative, one of the top priority projects, aims to leverage
digital technology and innovation to achieve livability and sustainable
growth.

Phuket Province is the first Smart City Pilot in Thailand where there has
been revised obstructing regulations and laws to increase the flexibility
of business and investments from foreigners pushing the public-private
partnership and collaboration driving towards innovation, services, and new
applications. This contributes to inclusive digital ecosystem developing
Phuket Province as a vibrant Smart City in terms of Smart Economy and Smart
Living Community.

As planned by the government, the project is scheduled to launch this year,
with the first phase covering 7 provinces namely Bangkok, Rayong, Chonburi,
Chachoengsao, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Khonkaen. The focus will shift to a
group of 13 provinces that produce the lowest GNP during the second phase
and then move on to the rest of the provinces in the last phase. The
dimension of smart city development will depend on each city needs, from
smart energy, smart mobility, smart tourism, smart working and living,
smart public safely, to smart environment.

Furthermore, the Government is concretely moving forward to establish the
center of advanced technologies and build a regional investment hub of
digital innovation as specified in the government's Eastern Economic
Corridor (EEC) policy through public and private partnership. As such, the Digital Park Thailand will be built on a site of
around 280 acre or 709 Rai in Sriracha District of Chonburi Province. The
construction of the Park will be completed by 2020 which will be a new
digital estate for incubating the technology start-ups and R&D lab for
Thailand's new s-curve business and will attract investments and
public-private partnership by offering BOI's privileges and non-tax
incentives for investors in the EEC areas.

The Government has actively engaged in setting up IoT Institute Project - The project is part of the Digital
Park Thailand, aiming to establish a national center for the development
and application of such technologies as Internet of Things (IoT), big data,
robotics, and artificial intelligence. Technology-wise, over 300 companies,
research centers, and universities will join hands to build a network of
IoT excellence. Also, the institute will develop necessary technologies and
tools for providing technical consultations and digital solutions to
industries, and businesses such as automotive, agriculture, food, and
healthcare sectors.

From our work in the range of initiatives above, ICT and digital
innovations become a fundamental asset at all levels of development and
enable us to practically build balanced and integrated approach to
sustainable and inclusive growth. However, on the road to success in
underpinning the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal,
multi-stakeholder collaboration should be reinforced work together to
enable the potential of digital technology and consequently achieve the
sustainability and prosperity.

Allow me on behalf of the South African delegation to thank the Government
and the people of Argentina for the warm welcome and generous hospitality
we have received and continue to enjoy in this wonderful city of Buenos
Aires.

Chairperson, let me also take the opportunity to offer my delegation's
congratulations to you on your election as Chairperson of the Conference.
We are indeed confident that we are in good hands.

My delegation would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude and
appreciation for the efforts made by ITU Secretary-General Mr Houlin Zhao;
Mr Brahima Sanou, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau
(BDT); ITU Management and staff in successfully convening this Conference,
timeously in advance of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The theme of this WTDC: "ICT for Sustainable Development Goals" is very
much aligned to our National Development Plan 2030 as well as the African
Union (AU) Agenda 2063, of building of an information society and
knowledge-based economy to drive inclusive growth for all nations.

ICTs and broadband in particular, have the potential to transform sectors
and accelerate progress, bringing us closer to achieving the SDGs. I am
certain that over the two weeks, we will identifies strategies and
programmes to achieve SDGs but also promote digital inclusion,
accessibility, gender, and capacity building so that nations become more
equal.

For us as the African region, we call on the ITU and all international
partners, to put more resources and capacity on development of strategies
and programmes to ensure equitable access to the internet, innovation and
development, as well as to strengthening ICT security.

The Internet has the potential to positively impact and transform people's
lives and bring benefits in a great number of areas, including health,
education, financial services, transport, energy, agriculture, and more.
However, to-date 53% of the world's population remains offline, with the
majority located in Africa and Asia-Pacific.

In South Africa, 48% of our citizens (estimated 22 million) are not yet
connected to the Internet. Through our national government priorities such
as the 9-Point Plan, Broadband National Policy (named the South African
Connect) and the ICT Policy, we are implementing strategies to ensure
maximum socioeconomic inclusion, focused on digital skills, as well as
supporting Small Medium Enterprises, Youth and Women on digital
entrepreneurship in order to minimize the digital divide and ensure radical
economic transformation through wider active participation in the digital
economy. In May this year, we also adopted the Internet for All initiative
which seeks to address barriers to universal internet access through
partnerships, coordination and collaboration between public, private,
multilateral and non-profit organisations.

Honourable Chairperson

South Africa views ICTs, especially the Internet as important, and integral
to reducing socio-economic inequalities. Therefore, WTDC-17 is expected to
provide the world with a new paradigm and alternative vision for increased
infrastructure connectivity, diffusion of devices, local content and skills
development.

Distinguished delegates

October has been dedicated as the cybersecurity month: the aim is to raise
awareness of cyber security threats, promote cyber security among citizens
and organizations; and provide resources so that citizens can protect
themselves online, through education and sharing of good practices. As
South Africa, we are happy to announce that we have national policy and
have an established Cybersecurity Hub which provides information and
creates awareness on cybersecurity, so to encourage South African citizens
and organisations to be secure online.

Distinguished delegates, you will recall that Our world leaders entrusted
the ITU to be the Facilitator of WSIS Action Line C5, "Building confidence
and security in the use of ICTs". To ensure maximum effectiveness of this
goal, we encourage strengthen international cooperation in this area on the
basis of a framework established within the remit of the ITU.

Finally, Chairperson,

South Africa remains committed to contributing to the work of this Union
and in this regard will be presenting her candidature for the ITU Council
during the Plenipotentiary Conference in the United Arab Emirates in 2018.
We humbly seek your support in this regard.

We look forward to cooperating with the ITU Community in order to make this
important conference is a success and its outcomes contribute to social
upliftment of our countries, regions and the global community.

Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union, Mr. Houlin
Zhao,

Chairman of the World Telecommunications Development Conference 2017,

Mr. Oscar González,

Deputy Secretary General and Directors of ITU
Bureaus,

Ministers,

distinguished delegates,

a pleasant good afternoon to
all.

On behalf of the Government of The Bahamas and our team taking part in this
dynamic conference, we wish to thank the Government of Argentina for
hosting this forum in beautiful Buenos Aires, and the ITU for this
opportunity to address this gathering.

It is with great pleasure that the Commonwealth of The Bahamas participates
in this historic World Telecommunications Development Conference (WTDC-17),
under the theme "ICT for Sustainable Development Goals" - ICT④SDGs.

Mr. Chairman, The Bahamas is committed to upholding and achieving the
Sustainable Development Goals which have been identified as being
achievable through the use of ICTS. It is in this context that the
Government of The Bahamas is developing policy that articulates the role
ICTs must play in:

(e) Promoting peaceful inclusive societies for sustainable development and
providing access to justice for all while building effective, accountable
and inclusive institutions at all levels (Goal 16); and

(f) Strengthening the means of implementation and revitalization of the
global partnership for sustainable development.

The Bahamas is now actively engaged in a process of examining and educating
itself on ways to use technology to improve opportunities for the social
and economic inclusion of persons as part of its strategy to creating an
ICT enabled SMART Bahamas. It was in partnership with the ITU that the
island of New Providence was declared a SMART Island, the first in the
Western Hemisphere. That vision has been expanded to a SMART archipelago.
We recognize that in a Smart Bahamas, the use of ICTs and cutting-edge
technology will contribute to an improved quality of life for our citizens,
efficiency of operation and services, and competitiveness. We are also
aware that the economic, social, environmental and cultural needs of
present and future generations can be achieved through such measures.

Mr. Chairman, The Bahamas remains committed to the development of
sustainable and resilient communities through focused attention aimed at
finding innovative avenues in the creation of resilient infrastructure. The
need to establish effective emergency communication and build resiliency
has become more apparent as the Bahamas, and the Caribbean region are
confronted with a myriad of issues including climate change, rising sea
levels and increased frequency and ferocity of seasonal storms and other
weather systems. The need for good communication systems to ensure rapid
response capability in times of disasters, is clear.

The Bahamas is aware that ICTs are critical to both survival and
sustainable development. Our nation is currently in the process of ensuring
that one of our Southeastern Islands, devastated by Hurricane Irma is
rebuilt as a green island, with special emphasis being placed on the
delivery of quality communication at all levels.

As the Bahamas seeks to make transformational strides within its borders,
our desire is to also contribute to the development of this critical sector
on this stage. And so, the Bahamas has pledged itself to service in this
community of nations and offers itself as a candidate for Council of the
ITU in the next Plenipotentiary Conference in October 2018. We commend to
you our candidature for consideration, and look forward for continuing our
engagement with you in these and other ITU meetings on issues affecting the
development of telecommunications and ICT in The Bahamas and across the
world.

In opening of my speech, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Government
of the Czech Republic,
I would like to thank the Government of Argentina and the
representatives of the International Telecommunication Union for
preparing this important high-level Conference. It is really the best
celebratory gift to the 25th Anniversary of founding the Development
sector of the ITU.
CONGRATULATIONS!

I am convinced that outputs of this Conference and its conclusions will
constitute another major and important step for all the Membership of the
ITU and, above all, for developing countries on all continents and islands.
The outputs of this Conference will undoubtedly represent an important
contribution to the Strategic Plan of the ITU for the next period.

I am also convinced that results of the World Telecommunication
Development Conference will contribute to the practical fulfilment of
the Action Lines of the World Summit on Information Society, of the ITU
Connect 2020 Agenda and of the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals and Targets. Concurrently it should contribute to the
implementation of the regional development initiatives of the ITU
Member States.
Here, I would like to express my appreciation, and stress the importance of
the activities of both the Development sector and the ITU as a whole, for
the worldwide development and implementation of modern telecommunications
and ICTs to be really the basis of the Digital Economy of the Globe.

The Czech Republic is aware of all mentioned connections and needs and
will support the development within the framework of the ITU as much as
it could.

Throughout the world, the Czech Republic is known as a traditional
industrial country.
A new generation of Czech experts in ICT clearly supplement the traditional
structure of Czech industry, adding it a new dimension.
Next generation telecommunications and ICTs with their
interdisciplinary applications are thus becoming the backbone of modern
Czech industry and society.

The Czech Republic having the knowledge and historic experience in
transiting from the developing country, has a lot that could be shared
in the field of telecommunications, ICTs, digitalization and other
specific areas with the developing countries, including landlocked
ones.

The Czech Republic as a long-standing member of the ITU
served several periods in the Council and will submit its candidacy for
the elections at the Plenipotentiary Conference 2018 in Dubai. For this
purposes we announce with joy and pride the launch of the campaign at
this important and celebratory Conference in una ciudad Hermosa de Buenos Aires.

As there could not be a celebratory launch without something tasty, we
would like to invite all of you to a nice Argentinian Coffee.

On behalf of Information and Communication Technologies Authority of
Republic of Turkey, I would like to thank the government of Argentina for
their hospitality and for welcoming us to this beautiful city of Buenos
Aires. I also would like to express our sincere gratitude to ITU
Secretary-General, Mr. Houlin Zhao and to Director of BDT, Mr. Brahima
Sanou for their invaluable efforts for the preparation of a successful
conference.

We strongly believe the importance of Information and Communication
Technologies as an accelerator of "development". ICTs have a very critical
impact on the quality of life of people across the globe, especially
between those who have access to them and those who do not.

Therefore, it is governments' responsibility to ensure that the goals and
targets relating to the role of ICTs for sustainable development should
address the basic needs and interests of the most disadvantaged citizens
within society. These needs include but not limited to healthcare and food
production, saving people out of poverty circle through job opportunities,
monitoring climate change and processes relating to land and water, and
bridging the digital gender divide.

With this huge responsibility, Turkey's Strategic Vision of 2023 sets very
important goals regarding ICTs. These goals include maintaining ICT-based
economic growth; transformation to knowledge-based society and enhancing
high-speed broadband access for all.

In line with that vision, Turkey continues to taking strong steps in order
to create a fully transformed digital economy and society through
affordable and accessible ICTs. The IMT-Advanced auction held in 2015
represented an important milestone for Turkey's transition to 5G. Turkey is
planning to be one of the first countries to adopt 5G technology.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We are well aware that digital divide is still an important issue to
overcome in the agenda and we need to put connectivity to the core of our
focus. Finding ways and means for affordable access to ICTs should be one
of our major solutions to tackle this problem. Turkey is very proud with
its success stories that have been reached by use of the universal service
fund to bring broadband to rural and remote areas within the country.

The internet is an important contributor for sustainable development.
However, providing connectivity as a basic need and right of every citizen
brings new challenges for governments. At the top of the list, there is
safety and security needs of the internet users, especially children. We
are in an era that children are born as digital natives and equally
vulnerable to illegal and harmful effect of the internet. Ensuring their
safety and security is a responsibility that all the stakeholders should
contribute within their capacity.

We believe that this conference is a huge opportunity for us to emphasize
the importance of ICTs for achievement of sustainable development goals and
we all should work together, in the spirit of cooperation to reach concrete
results. To you, Mr. Chairman, and to all respected colleagues we extend
our very best wishes for a successful and fruitful conference.

Honorable Delegates, hosts, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to be here
in beautiful Buenos Aires. Let me incorporate by reference all of the
well-deserved "thank yous" proffered by the preceding speakers.

Let me start with one admission and two assertions. The admission: I was a
senior official at the FCC for eight years in the 1980s and we made plenty
of mistakes. So buyer beware.

Now for my two assertions.

One. Broadband is a key driver for digital transformation and economic
growth - and a fundamental component of next generation communications
technologies, like 5G-I could cite really big numbers from private analysts
and the World Economic Forum estimating the size of the benefits, but I
will spare you.

Two. Broadband deployment and subscribership will occur where and when
providers and consumers think it will benefit them and policymakers can
have enormous impact on where that will be.

First, they can create an attractive investment climate and adopt
enlightened spectrum and competition policies. If anyone doubts this,
consider the rapid adoption and subscribership growth of cellular in the
past decade in Latin America, Africa, and India and so on. I consider this
to be the single greatest success story in my 36 years of doing telecom
policy.

Second, they can address areas where broadband isn't profitable for cost
and income reasons or where they have a special role such as security,
privacy, infrastructure investments and education and training. Often
market based approaches and public private partnerships will be most
helpful. If you are interested in learning more I commend a just released
document that my colleagues at Intel produced along with Samsung and others
called the "National IOT Strategy Dialogue."

One final word on 5G.How is it relevant to developing countries?

1. Consider that more than 90% percent of broadband subscribers in
developing countries are using mobile broadband networks, and according to
the ITU existing mobile-broadband networks covered 84% of the world's
population. We have seen a leapfrog effect - where developing economies are
able to cost effectively deliver innovative mobile based solutions - for
example, mobile banking.

2. 5G will surprise us in the same way. It won't
happen all at once or in the same way everywhere. For example, applications
that utilize low bands for IOT can enable lifesaving precision agriculture
and sustainable water management.

4. Higher band spectrum will allow for extremely high throughput, enhancing
mobile broadband, and leading to applications like the tactile Internet,
which can be applied in a variety of ways - including remote surgery.

Which brings me back to where I started. Policymakers can have enormous
impact on where broadband and next generation broadband will be beneficial
and we need to get the big things right and focus on our special roles. If
we do that we will get big and special benefits.

On
behalf
of
the
Rwandan
Delegation,
I
take
this
opportunity
to
express
our
gratitude
and
congratulations
to
the
Government
of
Argentina
for
hosting
this
Conference.
Thank
you
for
the
warm
reception
and
hospitality.

Mr.
Chairman,

As
we
gather
here
in
Buenos
Aires
for
WTDC17,
the
global
technology
landscape
is
rapidly
changing,
bringing
with
it
new
challenges
but
also
great
opportunities.
What
has
brought
us
together
is
a
shared
interest
and
commitment
towards
developing
the
Information
and
Communications
Technology
sector,
in
a
manner
that
brings
benefits
to
all
of
humanity

Since
the
year
2000,
the
Government
of
Rwanda
established
institutions
and
mechanisms
to
create
an
enabling
environment
for
ICT
development.
There
is
no
single
sector
which
has
not
been
positively
impacted:
we
have
seen
tremendous
improvement
in
health
indicators,
better
education
outcomes,
Government
service
delivery,
youth
and
women
empowerment,
digital
mapping
of
land
in
the
whole
country
which
has
simplified
issuing
of
land
titles
and
transfers;
the
list
goes
on!

Today,
about
70,000
refugees
in
Rwanda
who
receive
food
aid
from
WFP
are
receiving
it
on
an
electronic
payment
card.
Each
household
has
a
card
and
WFP
sends
them
money
through
the
bank.
The
refugees
can
go
out
to
the
market
and
buy
food
of
their
choice.
For
WFP,
this
cuts
out
all
the
middlemen
and
administrative
overheads
of
procuring
and
delivering
food,
while
at
the
same
time
the
refugees
are
given
choice
and
a
sense
of
dignity.
This
is
all
possible
because
the
infrastructure
is
in
place.
When
the
infrastructure
and
systems
exist
and
people
have
access,
there
is
almost
no
limit
to
applications
and
services.

Rwanda
as
a
country
has
benefited
from
the
visionary
leadership
of
HE
Paul
Kagame,
President
of
the
Republic
of
Rwanda;
who
not
only
has
driven
the
digital
transformation
of
our
country
but
together
with
other
visionary
Heads
of
2
State
and
Government
across
the
continent,
established
the
Transform
Africa
agenda
since
Oct
2013.
This
is
being
implemented
through
the
Smart
Africa
initiative,
under
the
able
leadership
of
Dr
Hamadoun
Toure,
and
I
am
glad
that
he
is
here
with
us.

The
objective
of
Smart
Africa
is
to
build
a
single
African
digital
market
and
to
break
barriers
that
exist
today
on
the
continent.
One
such
barrier
is
in
the
communications
industry
where
high
roaming
charges
exist
between
countries.
This
is
being
addressed
through
establishment
of
one
network
area
across
Africa.
This
already
exists
between
a
group
of
countries
in
the
East
and
West
Africa
regions
and
steadily
growing
to
other
countries.
Smart
Africa
is
a
testament
that
Africa
is
open
to
partnerships
and
investment
in
technology.
Come
and
do
business
on
the
continent.

Mr
Chairman,

I
would
like
to
highlight
an
area
which
is
not
receiving
as
much
attention
at
a
policy
level,
as
I
think
it
should

The
ICT
industry
continues
to
produce
disruptive
innovations
which
change
the
way
we
live,
interact
and
transact.
Developments
in
Big
Data,
IoTs,
AI/Machine
Learning
and
other
areas
are
moving
at
a
fast
pace.
Alec
Ross
in
his
book
'Industries
of
the
Future',
says
and
I
quote:
"Who
owns
the
data
is
as
important
a
question
as
who
owned
the
land
during
the
agricultural
age
and
who
owned
the
factory
during
the
industrial
age.
Data
is
the
raw
material
of
the
info
age"

If
we
begin
to
view
data
as
the
raw
material
for
the
information
age,
the
question
of
data
ownership,
access
and
utilization
becomes
one
of
prime
importance;
policies
need
to
be
in
place
to
democratize
ownership
and
use
of
data.
If
we
don't
address
these
issues
now,
the
future
will
bring
a
much
bigger
divide
with
far
reaching
consequences
than
we
experienced
in
the
past,
when
it
was
mostly
about
connectivity
and
access.
The
issues
of
data
of
course
go
beyond
economics,
and
are
matters
of
privacy
and
security
as
well.
There
is
a
need
for
a
sense
of
urgency
and
focus,
to
address
policy
issues
around
data,
AI
and
other
emerging
technologies.

Finally,
Mr.
Chairman,
let
me
conclude
by
recognizing
ITU
Leadership,
for
their
support
to
Member
States
in
the
area
of
Development,
through
BDT;
and
look
forward
to
a
productive
conference
here
in
Buenos
Aires.

The World Telecommunications Development Conference provides not only a platform to express our views on emerging trends and on matters of strategic importance to the development of the telecommunication, information and communication technology sector, and reflect on developments of the ICT sector in our respective countries, but also provides an opportunity for member states of the ITU to shape the future of the industry to pave a better future for our respective citizens. The recognition of the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector as a cross-cutting sector in the desired economic and social transformation agenda, particularly in pursuit to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) is of crucial importance by all of us attending this conference. This is moreso for developing economies, currently faced with a mirage of challenges particularly in the areas of basic education, health, agriculture and environmental sustainability, among others, and in dire need of innovative, practical and relevant solutions. In line with the theme of this conference, "ICT for Sustainable Development Goals", ICTs provide an opportunity for member states to accelerate programmes and interventions to address these challenges. The opportunity presented by this conference to explore, at a global level, means and ways to address some of these challenges should be received with both hands.

ICT developments in the country:

Mr. Chairman, Swaziland has made tremendous strides in the ICT sector guided by ITU agencies and other strategic partners, particularly in the development of key policy and legislative documents as well as the implementation of developmental programmes in the country. Specifically, the ITU has collaborated and supported the country in the following areas:

Development of the requisite policy, legislative and regulatory frameworks for the ICT sector;

Under the McCaw/ITU partnership, the country is a beneficiary of the wireless broadband infrastructure initiative for connecting rural schools and centers. Also, through the support of the ITU, the country has been able to develop the national broadband plan and strategy.

ITU has also played a leading role in the establishment of the Telecommunications regulator which has since managed to transform the telecommunications sector into a competitive one and realigned it to conform to industry norms and practices. This has immediately resulted in the immediate decrease in communication costs due to competition dynamics and an improved quality of service. The number of internet service providers has also increased by 90% and more Swazis are now connected to the internet and enjoy the benefits of online services.

Distinguished delegates, in line with the understanding that ICTs are an enabler for economic and social development, the Kingdom of Swaziland has identified and prioritised key ICT development programmes, activities and projects aimed at addressing pressing national issues mainly in Agriculture, Health, e-Government and environmental sustainability. These priorities, aimed at transforming the country into a knowledge based economy, include among others, the following:

Enabling Policy and Legislative Environment: with the dawn of the 4th Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), wherein data and information will be the new currency, it is fundamental that the country puts the necessary policies, programmes and resources in ensuring that the underlying infrastructure and systems are in place to support the "data as a currency" era. In this regard, the NICI Policy and the Electronic Communications Act and the Swaziland Communications Commission Act form the legislative basis of the ICT ecosystem in the country. The country is also in the final stages of the enactment of legislative instruments in relation to cybersecurity, data protection and electronic transactions.

Universal Access to ICT services: programmes and activities aimed at ensuring that ICT services are accessible and available, at an affordable cost, and the acceptable quality to all citizens of the country. These programmes are primarily focused on disadvantaged and rural connectivity and are being carried out in partnership between the Government and strategic partners, including the ITU.

Capacity Building and Skills Development: Development of the necessary digital skills and capabilities to support realization of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the 4th industrial revolution, spanning the entire ecosystem (basic ICT user skills to skills necessary for the development of innovative solutions and systems, entrepreneurship and institutions). ICT literacy should be a key component of basic education (formal and informal) as well as tertiary education programmes

Improving Security, Trust and Confidence on the use of ICT services: Adoption and use of products and services is positively correlated to the general acceptance of that product or service based on trust principles. The country has prioritized Cybersecurity, starting with the enabling legislation and the development of the National Cybersecurity Strategy 2017.

Innovation in ICT Services and Products: Development of technology solutions (e-Services and e-Applications) meant to address pressing national problems and priorities aimed at realizing the SDGs. The Government has set up and commissioned the Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) to lead the delivery of this key initiative, including ICT skills capacity building and ICT start-up incubation.

Reliable Communications Infrastructure: Development of the underlying High-speed Communications infrastructure networks (inter-regional connectivity) to support the requirements to realise the sustainable development goals.

Mr. Chairman, distinguished delegates, I am also happy to report that digital migration switch OFF in Swaziland was carried out smoothly on the 31st December 2016. This was done through the efforts of ITU who provided the scoping plan that mapped the entire project roadmap. This significant development makes available to mobile telecommunications services, which is the most widely used form of communications services in the country, the much needed frequency spectrum resources to achieve a wider reach and coverage of services.

Let me take this opportunity to thank the Government and people of the Republic of Argentina and the International Telecommunication Union for the organisation of this conference.

I am pleased to take part in this very important conference, which brings
together all stakeholders in the global telecommunication and ICTs
landscape. Before I proceed, I would like to extend my gratitude to the
government and people of the Republic of Argentina for the warm welcome
accorded to my delegation. In the same vein, I wish to extend sincere
appreciation to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for their
support and assistance to enable us partake in this WTDC-17.

It may interest this august gathering that the Gambia despite challenges
has implemented most of the action plans associated with our National
Information and Communication Infrastructure (NICI -1) policy since 2004,
which has been guiding the implementation of ICT activities in Government
until 2015. A review of NICI-1 policy implementation revealed high success
rate of 81%, which is attributed to the impressive developments in ICT
infrastructure such as the submarine cable, national fibre backbone,
Internet Exchange Point and LTE network for Government connectivity. The
area that needs to be addressed is in applications development and content
generation.

In 2016, a successor NICI-II policy was formulated and focuses on not only
passively using information and communication technologies (ICTs), but also
creating ICT applications and services for use and resale. This is expected
to promote increased ICT usage, private sector participation and foreign
direct investment. To ensure this, the policy aims at promoting open
access, universal access services, cyber security measures and in
particular more affordable and secured broadband access. The new policy
also intends to promote private investment into the sector through an
improved, adaptable and harmonised technology-neutral regulatory
environment.

In line with this policy, the Ministry of Information and Communication
Infrastructure, (MOICI) further conducted several complementary studies to
ensure successful implementation. Among the studies conducted are the
Broadband Demand and Stimulation Study, the Gambia National Cyber security
Strategy and a Feasibility Study on Infrastructure (broadband) Connectivity
Options to Neighbouring Countries.

Fellow Ministers

Distinguished Delegates

Ladies and Gentlemen

We, in The Gambia, are cognizant of the WSIS outcomes to build confidence
in the use of ICTs and the promotion of local content in our countries.
These objectives are still farfetched for developing and least developed
countries like ours. Local content and applications development and
availability has become an elusive phenomenon for the Least Developed
Countries (LDCs) and small island nations hence our call to promote the
development of ICT development incubation centres that would provide the
requisite environment for innovation and creativity to flourish. We believe
the incubation centres will nurture talents, change mindsets and encourage
the youth to harness their potential and play their role effectively in the
digital economy.

The challenges with cyber security has compelled us to pursue the
establishment of a Computer Incidence Reporting Team (CIRT) in
collaboration with ITU as starting point following the development of the
cyber security strategy. However, our laws are limited in tackling
cybercrime, which we would request collaboration and cooperation through
experience sharing and knowledge transfer.

Distinguished Delegates

Ladies and Gentlemen

ICTs have become a strategic cornerstone to drive the attainment of the
United Nation's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). My delegation
commends ITU for adopting the ICT4SDGs slogan to define its readiness to
use ICTs to achieve the SDGs. ICTs4SDGs can help us achieve SDG 16 which
embodies public access to information and fundamental freedoms. To this
end, I wish to highlight that the new Gambia has evolved from the
suppression of individual freedoms and information censorship that used to
be the order of the day until January 19th, 2017. The new
government wants to ensure that public access to information and freedom of
expression is safeguarded, which ICTs can facilitate such as the social
media platforms. However, we are confronted with the menace of fake news
and identity theft that needs to be tackled positively in order to make
social media more meaningful while promoting net neutrality.

On this note, I wish to thank you all and wish you a successful WTDC 2017.

The Republic of Zimbabwe, commends the ITU and our gracious host, the
Government of Argentina, for their sterling efforts in putting together
such excellent facilities and creating the ambience for what promises to be
an engaging, progressive and interactive World Telecommunication
Development Conference. We appreciate the warmth with which the people of Buenos Aires, welcomed us.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we meet once again under the umbrella of the ITU, to
share experiences, reminisce over progress of the ICT Sector for the four
years gone by, consider programmes and strategies and ultimately set a
trajectory for ICT Growth, Development and Integration, in the next
four-year cycle, for the betterment of mankind. This is indeed a noble task
for a good cause.

Zimbabwe cherishes WTDC-2017, as a landmark global Conference, as it is the
first such forum to take place, after the adoption of the Sustainable
Development Goals. It is therefore without doubt that,"ICTs for Sustainable Development Goals" - ICT④SDGsis a befitting theme for this WTDC. Zimbabwe will work
with fellow Delegates in crafting strategies and action plans that can push
the Global Community towards the attainment of the SDGs by 2030 and, in the
process, deliver a better-connected world, over the next four years.

Mr Chairman, a
s we look towards the next developmental cycle, we need to cast our eyes
into the rear view mirror and take note of what was achieved under the
Dubai Action Plan of 2014. Our own assessment is that, much has been done
and milestones achieved, particularly in the areas of Capacity Building,
ICTs for Disaster Management and Climate Adaptation, Digital Inclusion,
Telemedicine and Spectrum Management, to name just a few. To this end, i
would sincerely thank the ITU for the assistance we received for the
implementation of a Telemedicine Project involving the connection to each
other , of clinics in remote rural areas, district hospitals, provincial
Hospitals and, referral medical centres. The project is crucial to
Zimbabwe, as it improves access and delivery of medical services to
hitherto, underserved remote and rural areas, and moves Zimbabwe closer to
attaining Universal Health Coverage and indeed, the SDG goal on Good Health
and wellbeing.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Apart from the Telemedicine Project, we have registered great success in
the area of access and accessibility. We have installed over Two hundred
Community Information Centres, eighty of them in 2016 alone, at post
offices across the Country. These CICs, as we call them, provide local
communities with access to high speed Internet, printing and other related
services, at sub-commercial and affordable rates. The CICs have brought
access to all genders in Zimbabwe, particularly in the rural areas, thereby
making progress in bridging the digital divide and ensuring gender
equality, in terms of access, in line with the SDGs on Gender equality and
the goal on reducing inequalities .We are also continuously implementing
the schools digitalisation programme. Currently, we are connecting, one
thousand three hundred (1300) schools, to the internet. We have noted with
delight, that we are on course to achieving the goal on quality education.
The high literacy levels in Zimbabwe are evidence of our robust education
policy aided by ICTs. These efforts have seen increased use of ICTs in
underserved areas by all genders and our people are becoming digital
natives. The groundwork has been completed for a major ICT infrastructure
project, involving the construction of over 500 units of towers and
extension of the national backbone fibre network, across the country. This
will result in a massive rollout of broadband to all corners of the
Country. With regards to the SDG on elimination of hunger, the ICT sector
has partnered with the Agricultural Sector, by conveying information on
farming in puts, weather, transport details and offering insurance related
applications, for the success of Zimbabwe's Command Agriculture Programme.
This has seen Zimbabwe's grain reserves for the staple grain hit the one
the million tonne mark and are expected to exceed the usual requirements
for the country. No one will go hungry in the Country. We are leaving no
stone unturned, in ensuring that together with the rest of the ITU
community, we achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. With regards to
the Agenda of this Conference, Mr Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen, we are pleased to note
that WTDC-17 will consider matters and challenges that are crucial to all
regions of the world - Africa included. As emerging technologies,
applications and trends including cloud services, Big Data; Artificial
Intelligence , Internet of Things and IMT 2020, rise up the horizon, it is
rather tempting to run with the mill, forgetting to carry along with us,
that which we could not accomplish in the last developmental cycle. A case
on point, is the need to do more on bridging the gender divide. Indeed, Mr
Chairman, it is true that much effort has been exerted in this area and
considerable success has been achieved, but the numbers are not yet good
enough. We have to scale up our efforts to connect the remaining
unconnected. We believe that there is greater scope for closer cooperation
between those with developed economies and those with developing economies,
in addressing this undesirable phenomenon My message, ladies and Gentlemen,
is that, in this Global Village, let us join hands in connecting the
unconnected. It is our responsibility and our obligation.

Finally, Honourable Ministers, Excellences, distinguished Delegates, Ladies
and Gentlemen; the Republic of Zimbabwe is committed to the work of the ITU
and will continue to do so in future, by rendering support in the form of
human resources and other forms of support, where we have competencies.

Allow me at this point Mr Chairman, to wish you and the
Distinguished delegates to WTDC-17, great success.

It is a great honor to address this august gathering of leaders,
dignitaries, and professionals from around the globe who have assembled to
share their views on emerging trends and on matters of strategic importance
to the development of the information and communication technology sector.
The theme of World Telecommunication Development Conference 17 is very
pertinent and expounding the role of ICTs in achieving Sustainable
development Goals. I would also like to thank Argentinean administration
for their warm hospitality and congratulate them for arranging such an
excellent event.

Ladies and Gentlemen

The vision of our government is accelerated digitization to enable
socio-economic development. We consider ICTs as key enabler to achieve
efficiency, transparency, good governance and empowering the people. Our
focus remains on ubiquitous development of ICT infrastructure across the
country with special emphasis on serving marginalized segments of the
society and bridging the digital divide. We believe in connectivity and
inclusiveness for all. "Digital Inclusion" is of paramount importance to
ensure uniform proliferation of ICTs in the each and every community so
that collectively as a nation we can participate in this new paradigm of
economic development. Therefore, broadband and internet proliferation is
our policy priority. The ultimate goal is to connect population of 100+ by
2018. Considering the digital divide between rural and urban areas,
government through a viable and thriving Pubic Private Partnership
mechanism under the Universal Service Fund has undertaken various projects
which have resulted in extensive deployment of fiber optic cable,
provisioning of broadband services to educational institutes and
communities and access to telephony services including Mobile Broadband
services in rural areas of Pakistan. These initiatives have collectively
taken coverage of ICT services to 90% population of Pakistan.

Our policies have already earned worldwide acclaim and global
acknowledgements. As a result of apt policies and regulatory regime, the
telecommunications sector of Pakistan has established itself as the
national flag-bearer of progress and as one of the biggest contributors to
Pakistan's fiscal growth. During the formulation of Telecommunications
Policy 2015, extensive stake holders' consultations were undertaken
spanning over a period of over one year. With the collective wisdom of all
stakeholders, this policy envisions the availability of universal,
affordable and quality telecommunication services provided through open,
competitive and well managed markets which can be used by people to the
benefit of the economy and society.

Going forward, Digital Pakistan Policy will be launched soon which
envisions role of IT and ITeS in cross- sectoral development. Special focus
has been given on e-commerce, e-health, e-education etc. One of the key
ingredients is digital financial inclusion.

Availability of mobile broadband using 3G and 4G services are providing an
enabling ICT Ecosystem for the innovative "electronic" and "mobile"
services in the country. With the availability of 3G and 4G services, and
enabled devices in the country, the number broadband subscribers in the
country has grown from a mere 3.79 million to more than 46 million in just
over 3 years' time. Very recently, Federal Cabinet has approved 5G testing
which will also be a quantum leap in technology arena in Pakistan.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We believe and appreciate that Sustainable Development Goals best
orchestrate the plan for future development of the globe and are mindful of
critical role ICTs in achieving those. We have initiated several projects
directly serving the purpose of achieving SDGs. Special projects regarding
women empowerment, persons with disabilities, enhancing entrepreneurship
have been launched in public private partnership model.

Under one of the programs, "ICT for Girls", 110,000 girls and young women
per year are being equipped with set of ICT skills that will support
entrepreneurship and will significantly increase the probability of
employability. The program is being run through a network of girls'
schools, women empowerment centers.

We also understand that ICT entrepreneurs, start-ups and small to medium
size enterprises (SMEs) are our future and are therefore committed to
provide them the opportunities innovate and develop ICT-enabled solutions
for the society.

To encourage ICT Entrepreneurship and Startups in the Country, the
Government has established a National Incubation Centre in Islamabad. This
centre is built on public private partnership and will facilitate startups
by providing premises, mentorship and opportunities to reach out to the
domestic and international markets. Similar facilities are being
established in all provincial capitals of the country.

Indeed, we are moving towards Internet of Things, digital smart cities,
virtualization in clouds which are probably the next landmarks after
internet in ICT evolution. To make all this reality, we are ensuring that
our policies should reflect measures to overcome digital divide,
availability of spectrum, infrastructure deployment, content &
application development. Special focus on research and innovation is also
given significant importance in government's manifesto. We are in fact
considering whole ecosystem of ICTs from demand to supply side with
objective view of achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Since 1947, Pakistan has a long history of significant contribution to the
work of ITU to promote and implement the mandate of this specialized
Organization of United Nations. We have been elected as ITU Council member
for numerous times and in PP 18 as well Pakistan will be potential
candidate for ITU Council membership.

Before I conclude I would like to compliment International
Telecommunication Union for building a network of cooperation amongst
member countries. I would also once again thank Argentinean administration
for hosting such an excellent conference.

It gives me pleasure to participate in the World Telecommunication
Development Conference (WTDC -2017) and present this
Policy Statement to you distinguished delegates.

On behalf of the Government and People of Uganda, I congratulate the
government of Argentina for accepting to host this conference. 2 | P a g e

I also wish to commend the International Telecommunication Union for
organizing this conference which enables governments, discuss and identify
ways in which the important global issues can be achieved through
leveraging on ICTs.

Mr. Chairman,

This WTDC- 17 forum under the theme of "ICT4SDGs"
emphasizes ICT as the strongest unifying thread that can action all the 17
UN SDGs from words to deeds.

Uganda recognizes that the greatest resource the world has is humanity.

We have found ourselves in a situation that has required us as a nation to
welcome our brothers and sisters fleeing from conflict. 3 | P a g e

It will be unfair for me, not to underscore the importance of ICTs in
alleviating the dire situation in resettling the refugees hosted in Uganda.

Mr. Chairman,

Uganda realizes the immense benefits and opportunities that ICTs have
created for the economy and its citizens.

ICTs form an integral part of the Country's development agenda.

I am pleased to inform you that through partnership with the private
sector, Uganda has made great strides in extending ICT services all over
the country.

Distinguished delegates,

Broadband offers our emerging economy the opportunity to leapfrog and
connect our productive rural and mainly young population to the immense
opportunities around the world. 4 | P a g e

In essence, we are striving to increase our rural broadband connectivity as
the new generation infrastructure that will support both developing and
developed economies.

We, however, like any emerging economy, continue to grapple with gaps in
critical areas like:

1. Cost of broadband delivery

Uganda as a landlocked country can only achieve 100% accessibility to
affordable broadband through an all-inclusive infrastructure plan.

That includes both satellite and terrestrial options as complimentary for
broadband delivery.

We however recognize that satellite services, though strategic, are in
essence still costly.

In this, we call upon ITU and other global stakeholders to make deliberate
efforts to further lower the cost of satellite services. 5 | P a g e

This, Mr. Chairman, will support the real bridging of the digital divide
between rural and urban communities as well as developing and developed
economies.

2. Cost of quality terminal devices

Mr. Chairman,

the world is moving from basic voice to data services.

We in the developing economies, however, are faced with the challenge of
high cost of terminal devices in this transition.

We believe, ITU as a global policy organization, together with other
industry players, have a role to play to drive the cost of quality smart
devices down, to increase uptake of data services and further reduce the
digital divide.

We therefore call upon your concerted effort on this matter. 6 | P a g e

3. Digital content

Mr. Chairman,

Uganda recognizes that content is the catalyst of the ICT Value chain.

As nations, we all have a stake in the creation and uptake of digital
content.

We however call upon ITU, global players and Content platforms to consider
that the interests of all parties are catered for in data protection,
authenticity of cultures and norms, privacy and security.

We welcome the participation of various partners from the private sector,
civil society and development agencies in achieving this call. 7 | P a g e

Mr. Chairman, Your Excellencies,

We commit to ensuring that our policy and regulatory frameworks address
emerging technological and industry trends.

This we believe will bridge the digital divide.

I look forward to interacting with other distinguished delegates on various
topical issues that we shall be discussing during this conference.

Lastly, let me address you on the issue of Uganda's candidature for
re-election to the ITU Council.

We believe our record at the Council has been satisfactory.

We also believe that having been in the Council, our re-election shall
provide the continuity that is needed to strengthen this organ of the
Union. 8 | P a g e

My appeal to you all, your Excellencies and heads of delegation:

is to consider favourably Uganda's election bid at the forthcoming ITU
Plenipotentiary in 2018.